Apparatus for mobile device case

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to an apparatus for a mobile device case, especially wherein a strap is attached to the rear of a mobile device case in a determined shape, so that a user securely supports a mobile device. To achieve this, there is provided the apparatus for a mobile device case which includes a case that covers at least one side of a mobile device in a circumferential direction to be coupled thereto, and a fixing means that is coupled to the case to fix a strap for supporting a user&#39;s fingers at two points on edges of the case.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an apparatus for a mobile device case,especially wherein a strap is attached to the rear of a mobile devicecase in a determined shape, so that a user securely supports a mobiledevice.

BACKGROUND ART

In general, a mobile device is a portable communication apparatus, suchas a mobile phone, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a PortableMultimedia Player (PMP), a smartphone, a tablet phone (or tabletpersonal computer), etc., which provides a variety of functions, forexample, using the Internet, making a phone call, watching a movie, etc.while in motion using a wireless communication network or a storedprogram.

A recently-released touchable smart device, one of the mobile devices,has widely been used for a variety of purposes such as calling/receivinga phone call and sending/receiving a text message as well as documentwork, using the Internet, and sending/receiving an Email. Accordingly,because the mobile device is used regardless place and time, a user hasa risk of dropping the mobile device all the time, and besides, more andmore users are feeling pains in their wrists. The dropping of the mobiledevice through the user's carelessness as well as the pains in wristsare caused by the fact that the user uses the mobile device with bothhands.

DISCLOSURE Technical Problem

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is applied to solve thedefects, and is to provide an apparatus for a mobile device case whichallows a user to support a mobile device with one hand and prevents theuser from dropping the mobile device because of his or her carelessness.

However, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentionedobject, and other objects will be apparent to those skilled in the artfrom the following the description.

Technical Solution

The above-mentioned object is achieved by an apparatus for a mobiledevice case which is characterized in that the apparatus includes a case100 that covers at least one side of a mobile device 1 in acircumferential direction to be coupled thereto, and a fixing means 200that is coupled to the case 100 to fix a strap 5 for supporting a user'sfinger(s) 2 at two points on edges of the case.

In addition, the apparatus for a mobile device case is characterized inthat the fixing mean 200 is provided in a plural number, and the strap 5is attached to the mobile device 1 to form a continuous support line 10through a plurality of the fixing means 200 provided at two points onedges of the case 100, thereby supporting the finger(s) 2.

Furthermore, the apparatus for a mobile device case is characterized inthat the strap 5 is positioned on the rear of the case 100 to be fixedin a triangular shape, thereby supporting the finger(s) 2.

Besides, the apparatus for a mobile device case is characterized in thatthe strap 5 is fixed by the fixing means 200 in first and seconddiagonal directions of the mobile device 1 as well as in a longitudinaldirection of the mobile device 1, thereby forming a triangular shape,and the one or more diagonally-fixed strap(s) 5 supports at least indexand middle fingers.

Besides, the apparatus for a mobile device case is characterized in thatthe fixing means 200 is provided in a plural number and attachedto/detached from the mobile device 1, and a plurality of the straps 5are fixed by a plurality of the fixing means 200 coupled to two pointson edges of the case 100 in a crossed manner, thereby supporting thefinger(s) 2.

Besides, the apparatus for a mobile device case is characterized in thatthe fixing means 200 is coupled to the front of the mobile device 1 in a

shape.

Besides, the apparatus for a mobile device case is characterized in thatthe crossed fixing of the straps is configured in such a manner that oneof a plurality of the straps 5 is fixed by the fixing means 200 in ahorizontal direction of the mobile device 1 and the other strap 5 isfixed by the fixing means 200 in a diagonal direction of the mobiledevice 1.

Besides, the apparatus for a mobile device case is characterized in thatat least index and middle fingers are supported by the straps 5 that arefixed in horizontal and diagonal directions.

Besides, the apparatus for a mobile device case is characterized in thatat least index, middle, and ring fingers are supported by the strap 5that is fixed in a diagonal direction.

Besides, the apparatus for a mobile device case is characterized in thatthe straps 5 are integrally fixed to the case 100, wherein the straps 5are fixed to the case 100 in a crossed manner, thereby supportingfinger(s) 2.

Besides, the apparatus for a mobile device case is characterized in thatthe crossed fixing of the straps is configured in such a manner that oneof a plurality of the straps 5 is fixed by the fixing means 200 in ahorizontal direction of the mobile device 1 and the other strap 5 isfixed by the fixing means 200 in a diagonal direction of the mobiledevice 1.

Besides, the apparatus for a mobile device case is characterized in thatat least index and middle fingers are supported by the straps 5 that arefixed in horizontal and diagonal directions.

Besides, the apparatus for a mobile device case is characterized in thatat least index, middle, and ring fingers are supported by the strap 5that is fixed in a diagonal direction.

Advantageous Effects

As described above, the present invention has an advantage that a usersupports a mobile device using one hand without feeling pains in his orher wrist.

In addition, the present invention has another advantage that afunctional strap attached to a mobile device is used to support a user'swrist, so that the convenience of the user is increased.

Furthermore, the present invention has a further advantage that a fixingmeans for fixing a strap is detachable as necessary, so that theconvenience of a user is increased.

Besides, the present invention has a further advantage that a strap isintegrally coupled to a case when the case is manufactured, so that amore strongly-coupled strap may be manufactured.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The following drawings attached to this specification exemplarilyillustrate one preferred embodiment of the present invention, and serveto facilitate understanding of the technical ideas of the presentinvention with the detailed description, and thus the present inventionis not limited to the disclosures in the drawings.

FIG. 1 illustrates an apparatus for a mobile device case according to afirst embodiment of the present invention in a perspective view.

FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate an apparatus for a mobile device case accordingto a second embodiment of the present invention in a perspective view.

FIG. 4 illustrates an apparatus for a mobile device case according to athird embodiment of the present invention in a perspective view.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view as taken along line A-A of FIG. 4.

BEST MODE

Hereinafter, one preferred embodiment of the present invention isdescribed with reference to the accompanying drawings. Also, it is notedthat the disclosures in the claims of the invention are not limited bythe one embodiment to be described below, and the configurationdescribed in the embodiment is not required for a solving means of thepresent invention.

Configuration of an Apparatus for a Mobile Device Case

FIGS. 1 to 5 illustrate an apparatus for a mobile device case accordingto the present invention. According to first, second, and thirdembodiments of the present invention, a strap 5 is attached to a casethrough a variety of methods, and thus this assists a user to use amobile device.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the apparatus according to the presentinvention is configured in such a manner that the strap is coupled to acase detachable from/attachable to the mobile device, thereby reducing arisk that the user may drop the mobile device while in use andpreventing fingers and wrists damage caused by the use of the mobiledevice. Here, the mobile device may be one of different apparatuses,such as, a PDA, a smartphone, a tablet device, and various kinds ofportable electronic devices.

Besides, the case according to the present invention may be both of thefollowing: a case forming the exterior of a mobile device 1 and anexternal protection case coupled to the existing mobile device 1.

Hereinafter, the apparatus for a mobile device case according to thefirst, second, and third embodiments of the present invention isdescribed in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. However, repeateddescriptions according to the embodiments are omitted.

First Embodiment

As shown in FIG. 1, a case 100 according to a first embodiment of thepresent invention is preferably made out of a ductile material, such aspolyethylene (PE), urethane, silicon, leather, synthetic resin, etc. toprotect a mobile device 1 from shock. Here, the case 100 is coupled tothe rear of the mobile device, and may cover all edges of the mobiledevice in a circumferential direction or all sides of the mobile devicewith leaving the front of the mobile device partially uncovered.

A strap 5 according to the first embodiment of the present invention isa general one that is attachably coupled to the mobile device 1. Thestrap 5 is coupled by a coupling means 300 formed on the mobile device 1and typically used to be wound around a user's wrist or to allow variousfunctional products, such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) memory and asmall ornament, to be hung. Here, the strap 5 is made out of a ductilematerial in order to be extensible longer than the original lengththereof.

Besides, the present invention uses an extensible character of the strap5. The strap is usually used as a functional product, while, in a casein which a user desires to use a mobile device, the user fixes the strapto a fixing means 200 formed on the case 100 so that his or her fingersare supported by the strap 5, and thus the user securely uses the mobiledevice.

In this case, although the above-mentioned strap 5 is preferably madeout of a ductile material, an inductile material may be used under thecondition that the strap is long enough to form a continuous supportline 10 of a triangular shape.

The fixing means 200 according to the first embodiment of the presentinvention is provided in a plural number (at least two) and positionedon the rear of the case 100. As shown in FIG. 1, it is preferable that aplurality of the fixing means 200 consists of a first fixing means 210that is positioned on the right side of the mobile device and a secondfixing means 220 that is positioned at an end opposite to another endhaving a coupling means 300 of the mobile device. The first fixing means210 is positioned in the middle of the right side of the mobile device,while the second fixing means 220 is positioned on the left side of thelower end of the mobile device.

Here, the first fixing means 210 fixes the strap 5 from a firstdirection to a second direction, while the second fixing means 220 fixesthe strap 5 from the second direction to a third direction. The firstdirection diagonally goes from the left side of the mobile device to theright side thereof, the second direction diagonally goes from the rightside of the mobile device to the left side thereof, and the thirddirection goes from the bottom of the mobile device to the top thereof.(a longitudinal direction of the mobile device)

The strap 5 is fixed by the coupling means 300 and the first fixingmeans 210 of the mobile device in the first direction to form a firstsupport line 11. In addition, the strap is fixed by the first fixingmeans 210 and the second fixing means 220 in the second direction toform a second support line 13. Furthermore, the strap is fixed by thesecond fixing means 220 and the coupling means 300 of the mobile devicein the third direction to form a continuous support line of a triangularshape.

Besides, finger(s) 2 of the user may be supported by either of the firstsupport line 11 or the second support line 13, or both of the first andsecond support lines 11 and 13. Here, although it is preferable thatindex and middle fingers are supported, a ring finger may beadditionally supported if necessary or only one of the index and middlefingers may be supported.

The above-mentioned fixing means 200 may be provided to variouspositions of the mobile device. For example, the first fixing means 210may be positioned between the top and the middle of the right side ofthe mobile device instead of in the middle of the right side of themobile device, as shown in FIG. 1. Also, the second fixing means 220 maybe positioned at a point that moves to the left or right further thanthe point shown in FIG. 1. Accordingly, the fixing means 200 may bepositioned at various points under the condition that the strap 5 formsa continuous support line of a triangular shape, regardless of theposition shown in FIG. 1.

The fixing means 200 is formed when the case 100 is manufactured, andthe fixing means 200 shown in FIG. 1 is additionally provided to therear of the case. In addition, the fixing means 200 adopts variousmethods for fixing an object, such as a convexity and concavity method,a magnetic method, a screw method, etc, and besides, the fixing means200 may have a cross section formed in a quadrangular or hooked shape.

The strap 5 is fixed by the fixing means 200 that is additionally formedon the rear of the case, and a cut that is formed on the ductile rear ofthe case. For example, the case is manufactured in such a manner thatcuts are formed on the rear thereof in a spaced manner, and thus a userfixes the strap by inserting the strap into holes formed by the cuts.

Although the above-mentioned triangular shape is described under thecondition that the coupling means 300 is positioned on the left side ofthe mobile device, it is apparent that the description of the triangularshape may be understood in such a manner that the right and left sidesof the mobile device are switched each other when the coupling means 300is positioned on the right side of the mobile device.

Second Embodiment

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, an apparatus for a mobile device caseaccording to a second embodiment of the present invention uses a strap5′ integrally formed when the case 100 is manufactured, instead of thestrap 5 attachably coupled to the mobile device as described in thefirst embodiment. Hereinafter, according to the second embodiment of thepresent invention, a configuration different from that described in thefirst embodiment is chiefly described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.

The fixing means according to the present invention refers to anadhesive means for allowing a strap to be attached to a case, becausethe strap is integrally coupled to the case when the case ismanufactured.

The strap 5′ according to the present invention is made out of a ductilematerial and is integrally coupled to a case 100 when the case ismanufactured. Here, the strap is coupled in a crossed manner. That is,the strap 5′ is fixed in a horizontal direction of a mobile device 1(from left to right) to form a second support line 13′. In addition, thestrap 5′ is fixed in a diagonal direction of the mobile device (fromright top to left bottom) to form a first support line 11′. Although notshown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the strap may be fixed in a longitudinaldirection, instead of a diagonal direction of the mobile device, to forma support line.

Here, as shown in FIG. 2, index and middle fingers of a user aresupported by the first and second support lines, thereby supporting therear of the case in a longitudinal direction of the mobile device. Inaddition, FIG. 3 illustrates a case that supports the mobile deviceaccording to another example, wherein index, middle, and ring fingersare supported by the first support line, thereby supporting the rear ofthe case in a diagonal direction of the mobile device. Although not inthis case, the index, middle, and ring fingers may be supported by thesecond support line when necessary.

Besides, the first support line is formed in a direction from the rightside of the top to the left side of the bottom, and thus this ispreferably applicable to a case that supports the mobile device with theright hand, while, when the left hand is used to support the mobiledevice, the first support line may be formed in the reverse direction.In addition, the second support line may be downwardly moved andpositioned lower than that shown in FIG. 2 so that the first and secondsupport lines are formed in a non-crossed manner.

Third Embodiment

As shown in FIG. 4, an apparatus for a mobile device case according to athird embodiment of the present invention uses a strap coupled to anattachable/detachable fixing means 200 that is coupled to the front andrear of the mobile device, instead of the strap 5′ that is integrallycoupled to the case as described according to the second embodiment.Hereinafter, according to the third embodiment of the present invention,a configuration different from that described in the first and secondembodiments is chiefly described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.

The fixing means 200 according to the third embodiment of the presentinvention is integrally coupled to a mobile device or to the mobiledevice and a case in a

shape, and adopts various methods for fixing an object, such as aconvexity and concavity method, a magnetic method, a screw method, etc,when necessary. Here, the fixing means 200 is attachable to/detachablefrom the mobile case and the case when necessary and consists of first,second, third, and fourth fixing means 210, 220, 230, and 240.

The first fixing means 210 is positioned on the right side of the top ofthe mobile device, and the second fixing means 220 is positioned on theleft side of the bottom of the mobile device. In addition, the thirdfixing means 230 is positioned on the left side of the bottom of themobile device, and the fourth fixing means 240 is positioned on theright side of the bottom of the mobile device to be collinear with thethird fixing means 240. Here, the first and second fixing means make afirst pair with each other, and the third and fourth means make a secondpair with each other.

Here, a first support line 11″ is formed in such a manner that a strap5″ connected between the first and second fixing means forming the firstpair 210 and 220 goes in a diagonal direction (from right top to leftbottom), and a second support line 12″ is formed in such a manner thatanother strap 5″ connected between the third and fourth fixing meansforming the second pair 230 and 240 goes in a horizontal direction (fromleft to right). Accordingly, the two straps 5″ are fixed by the firstand second support lines in a crossed manner. Here, although not shownin FIG. 4, the strap 5″ may go in a longitudinal direction rather thanin a diagonal direction.

Here, index and middle fingers of a user are supported by the first andsecond support lines, as shown in FIG. 2, thereby supporting the rear ofthe case in a longitudinal direction of the mobile device. In addition,index, middle, and ring fingers are supported by the first support line,thereby supporting the rear of the case in a diagonal direction of themobile device, as shown in FIG. 3 illustrating a case that supports themobile device according to another example. Here, although not in thiscase, the index, middle, and ring fingers may be supported by the secondsupport line when necessary.

While, as shown in FIG. 4, the third and fourth fixing means arepositioned above the second fixing means so that the strap is fixed in acrossed manner, the second fixing means may be positioned above thethird and fourth fixing means to prevent the strap from being fixed in acrossed manner. In addition, the first support line goes in a directionfrom right top to left bottom, and thus this is preferably applied to acase in which a user supports the mobile device with his or her righthand, however the first support line may be formed in the reversedirection when the user supports the mobile device with his or her lefthand.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view as taken along line A-A of FIG. 4. As shownin FIG. 5, the fixing means 200 is formed in a

shape, and coupled to the front and the rear of the mobile device, orthe mobile device having the case attached thereto.

The straps 5″ according to the third embodiment of the present inventionare made out of a ductile material, and the one is fixed by the firstand second fixing means 210 and 220 to form the first support line whilethe other is fixed by the third and fourth fixing means 230 and 240 toform the second support line.

Although the apparatus for a mobile device case is described accordingto the embodiments of the present invention, the present invention isnot limited thereto and a variety of modifications and applications arepossible. That is, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art thatvarious modifications may be made without departing from the gist of thepresent invention.

1. Apparatus for a mobile device case comprising: a case (100) thatforms the exterior of a mobile device (1) or covers at least one side ofthe mobile device (1) in a circumferential direction to be coupledthereto; and a fixing means (200) that is coupled to the case (100) andfixes a strap (5) for supporting a user's fingers (2) at two points onedges of the case.
 2. Apparatus for a mobile device case according toclaim 1, characterized in that the fixing means (200) is provided in aplural number, and the strap (5) is attached to the mobile device (1) toform a continuous support line (10) through a plurality of the fixingmeans (200) provided at two points on edges of the case (100), therebysupporting the fingers (2).
 3. Apparatus for a mobile device caseaccording to claim 2, characterized in that the strap (5) is positionedon the rear of the case (100) to be fixed in a triangular shape, therebysupporting the fingers (2).
 4. Apparatus for a mobile device caseaccording to claim 3, characterized in that the strap (5) is fixed bythe fixing means (200) in first and second diagonal directions of themobile device (1) as well as a longitudinal direction of the mobiledevice (1), thereby forming a triangular shape, and the at least onediagonally-fixed strap (5) supports at least index and middle fingers.5. Apparatus for a mobile device case according to claim 1,characterized in that the fixing means (200) is provided in a pluralnumber and attached to/detached from the mobile device (1), and aplurality of the straps (5) are fixed by a plurality of the fixing means(200) coupled to two points on edges of the case (100) in a crossedmanner, thereby supporting the fingers (2).
 6. Apparatus for a mobiledevice case according to claim 5, characterized in that the crossedfixing of the straps is configured in such a manner that one of aplurality of the straps (5) is fixed by the fixing means (200) in ahorizontal direction of the mobile device (1) and the other strap (5) isfixed by the fixing means (200) in a diagonal or longitudinal directionof the mobile device (1).
 7. Apparatus for a mobile device caseaccording to claim 6, characterized in that at least index and middlefingers are supported by the straps (5) that are fixed in horizontal anddiagonal directions.
 8. Apparatus for a mobile device case according toclaim 6, characterized in that at least index, middle, and ring fingersare supported by the strap (5) that is fixed in a longitudinal ordiagonal direction.
 9. Apparatus for a mobile device case according toclaim 1, characterized in that the straps (5) are integrally fixed tothe case (100), wherein the straps (5) are fixed to the case (100) in acrossed manner, thereby supporting the fingers (2).
 10. Apparatus for amobile device case according to claim 9, characterized in that thecrossed fixing of the straps is configured in such a manner that one ofa plurality of the straps (5) is fixed by the fixing means (200) in ahorizontal direction of the mobile device (1) and the other strap (5) isfixed by the fixing means (200) in a diagonal or longitudinal directionof the mobile device (1).
 11. Apparatus for a mobile device caseaccording to claim 10, characterized in that at least index and middlefingers are supported by the straps (5) that are fixed in a horizontaldirection and in a diagonal or longitudinal direction.
 12. Apparatus fora mobile device case according to claim 10, characterized in that atleast index, middle, and ring fingers are supported by the strap (5)that is fixed in a diagonal direction.